FAQ

Lots of Q's and A's my wife so kindly 
added for me. Thanks Ames!

What the heck is this guy doing?

• Trading my way out of debt, starting with just one mustard seed. 

Why are you starting with a mustard seed?

• Check out the About The Project tab for the answer!

How do you trade your way out of debt?

• Easy, I start with my little seed and trade it for something you have, and then I take what you have, and trade that for the next item and so on. At the end of the project I take the last item and trade it to someone who will in return pay off our debt in full. 

How are you "trading" the last item to someone that is paying off your debt?
     How is that any different than someone buying the item from you?

•  Good question. The last item could potentially have no dollar value to it. The case might be that whatever I have, someone really wants and will do anything for it.

How much debt do you have, and how did you get to that point?

• We have roughly $95,000 in debt. This is another great question that I will also refer you to the About The Project tab.

What makes you think you can become debt free from more than $95,000 with just one mustard seed and much less do it in only three years?

• What makes you think anything is impossible for God (Matthew 17:20)? Next question. 

How are you going to get people to trade you?

• Well, several ways. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Word of mouth. Being creative on Craigslist and Facebook. People like you sharing the project on social media and referring others to the website, speaking engagements, and the media if I am lucky. Also, my van I call " The Trade Mobile." It is a sight you have to see!

Can I advertise on your website? 

• Yes you can as long as it is appropriate. Check out the "Contact Me" tab and it shall tell you everything you need to know.

Can I become a part of this project?

• Check out the above mentioned tabs and they will tell you everything you need to know. Noticing a pattern? 

Is this like the bigger better game a lot of youth groups do these days?

• Similar, but different. I don't go door to door trying to make a trade.

Has anyone ever done this before?

• To my knowledge, no. From what I have researched, I have yet to find anyone that has started with a mustard seed and tried to trade their way out of debt. There have been several people who are good at bartering that have traded up to some big stuff. For example, you may have heard of a Canadian named Kyle Macdonald. Back in 2005 he started with a red paperclip and 14 trades later he ended up with a house! All within a year! Just search his name on Google and you will find a lot about his adventures. He has also written an awesome book called "One Red Paperclip". It has a picture of a red paperclip on it. You can't miss it.

Have you ever spoken to Kyle Macdonald?

• Yes, over a few emails and however many times on the phone. 

Are you the ice cream man? 

• No, I wish I was....I would eat all the ice cream. 
• The van I drive around (It is now black, so this no longer applies!) for the project looks kind of like an ice cream truck because it's so colorful, but hey it gets a lot of attention because of the stinking huge decals all around the van.
• I was on my way home from work one day and this little kid maybe 6 or 7 saw me as I was driving around the corner. 
• He jumped on his bike and was cruising after me. As I pulled in the driveway he stopped in front of the house and mumbled off something...
• It sounded like he was saying something about my van. It kind of sounded like he was making fun of it. 
• Feeling defensive, I said, "what did you just say?" He said, "Oh nevermind." I was like, "no dude what did you just say about my van?" 
• He looked at me with a grin and said, "boy, you sure do look different than the ice cream man" and rode off very quickly. I still laugh about that. And yes, I know it looks like a daycare van.

What is your comment policy?

• Act like an adult. Don't put anything you would not want your Grandma to see. I preview all comments and have to approve them. If I feel your comment is unsuitable or that you are just trying to promote your site, I will most likely delete it. There is also a lot of spam out there so I have to be careful what I approve. From time to time I will feature different sites or people, just email me if you are interested in needing help to get the word out with whatever you're doing.

Can I write about your project on my blog,  in the newspaper or feature it on TV?

• As much as I love the idea of people wanting to get the story out, I ask that you would ask for permission before using any of my content from my posts. This also includes pictures. 

And the list goes on...Email me your questions and I will do my best to answer them in a timely manor.